GPS, Radio Waves and Solar Power in a Samurai-Inspired Outfit: Casio G-shock MRG G1000RT

Casio has created a very interesting limited edition watch in its G-Shock collection of famously tough watches. The new piece with quite an impersonal and sterile name MRG G1000RT represents a very interesting combination of modern technologies and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. It features a body made of a recrystallized titanium-based alloy that was treated with the traditional technique. This characteristic procedure was initially used in the creation of samurai swords and it gives the timekeeper very dashing and distinct appearance. As for the modern characteristics, there are several that can be noticed. Most notably, the watch is extremely precise since it receives both radio and GPS signals that correct its timekeeping feature. It is also powered with solar energy. This exceptionally intriguing piece is made in a limited edition of just 100 watches and has the price of around $6,950.

Casio G-shock MRG G1000RT Watch

It can be said that this newcomer is something you do not see that often, especially considering who made it. This sort of extravagancy is seldom seen in Casio products, so MRG G1000RT truly comes as a very pleasant surprise. The watch has a remarkably interesting case and bezel which are made from Ti64 alloy which is comprised of 90% titanium, 6%aluminum and 4% vanadium. The used alloy is recrystalyzed with the use of a nie technique that stems from the production of famous Japanese samurai swords.

Not only that it makes the material more resilient and durable, it also gives it a characteristic grain pattern appearance that makes it look really nice. This sort of meticulous production technique certainly demonstrates why MR-G series represents the very pinnacle of G-Shock series. By the way, the watch’s presence in G-Shock collection implies all of the renowned toughness which is naturally a great supplement to the fine looks of the piece. The watch additionally includes a dark colored “Japan blue” PVD coating throughout its case and three-link metal bracelet. Another nod to traditional crafts from the Land of the Rising Sun is that timekeeper includes gold colored front screws and indices. This is a tribute to the tradition of Japanese metal engraving.

Dual Time Zones and a Convenient Pack of Other Features

This analog watch with a quartz movement is of course at the same time exceptionally modern. Its timekeeping feature is precise as it can be, since the watch receives both Global Positioning System (GPS) and radio waves which correct its time display. While the GPS signals are automatically received four times a day, radio waves are by default sent to the watch six times during the course of 24 hours (except in China, where the watch receives one signal fewer).

The timekeeper shows the time in two different time zones simultaneously. Its other features are not as numerable as it is often the case with Casio watches, but there are still quite a few of them. One of these is a world time feature; the piece possesses settings for 40 various time zones (27 cities) plus Coordinated Universal Time, along with daylight saving which can be turned on or off. Moreover, it has a stop watch function with the precision of 1/20th of a second and measuring capacity of 24 minutes. There is also a countdown timer with a measuring unit of one second and maximum capacity of an entire day. In contrast to majority of Casio products which feature several different supported alarms, this one only has a single one.

Casio G-shock MRG G1000RT Watch Front

There is also a full auto calendar, battery level indication, the option to chose between 12 and 24 hour formats, while better legibility is provided with LED light afterglow that lasts for three seconds when activated.

Another cool and modern trait of the watch is the fact that it is powered with a Tough Solar power system. This solar charging system with the enhanced efficiency can keep the watch powered for as much as 18 months once the watch is fully charged.

Overall, this timepiece is very peculiar and unexpected for Casio, since the Japanese watchmaker tends to launch series-produced watches that are not that demanding and are commonly packed into resin housings. However, they are usually also quite affordable with their price not exceeding a few hundreds of dollars. Even when Casio releases a limited edition, it is commonly just a watch that is designed a bit differently, but basically the same when the materials and its production are concerned.

Sold out Even before the Release

For all these reason, new G-Shock MRG G1000RT is something like an alien entity in the brand’s palette of products. The newcomer from the G-Shock series is restricted to 100 pieces worldwide. It is expected that it will be available somewhere around next fall at the price of around $6,950. However, some reports say that almost entire batch of these watches is already pre-sold. It seems that Casio aficionados are very intrigued with the samurai-inspired appearance of the watch that tends to combine all of the best Japanese traditions with ultimately modern features and technologies.